Clarence Seedorf is expected to lead Corinthians against São Paulo while the club awaits Conmebol’s review of his coaching credentials. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) says the Dutchman can continue working under a provisional license until the South American body reaches a decision.
Corinthians sent documents from the Dutch football federation outlining Seedorf’s experience and asking Conmebol to reconsider its refusal to validate his coaching license. The CBF said the material will be submitted to UEFA for verification before being returned to Conmebol.
Conmebol rejected Seedorf’s application because he does not meet its minimum requirement of 36 months as a head coach. Although he holds UEFA’s Pro coaching license, the highest certification issued by the European body, his coaching spells at Milan, Shenzhen, Deportivo La Coruña and Cameroon’s national team amount to about 27 months. Corinthians also argues that his three years on the Dutch federation’s supervisory board and his work teaching UEFA coaching courses should count toward the requirement.
The club says Seedorf meets Conmebol’s criteria. His provisional authorization, which the report describes as a usual measure while a permanent license is being assessed, has allowed him to coach Corinthians from the sideline in two matches: a defeat to Vasco and a win over Mirassol. The latter ended a run of ten games without a victory.
The São Paulo derby is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. at Vila Belmiro, with Morumbi unavailable because of BTS performances. Corinthians are 17th in the Brazilian league, in the relegation zone, with 36 points and one point fewer than Mirassol. After the derby, the club is due to face Botafogo and Grêmio at home, then Atlético-MG and Remo away.
Sources: Folha Esporte.